The All Progressives Congress (APC) stands firm in its claim that there is no internal crisis, despite the recent resignations of its National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, and National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore. However, unfolding events reveal a different story, exposing deep-rooted issues and shocking revelations that have rocked the party to its core.
In a statement released on Saturday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party attempted to downplay the significance of the resignations, asserting that the party remains “strong, dynamic, resilient, and progressive.” According to the party’s narrative, the voluntary resignations showcase the party’s institutional maturity and leadership quality, prioritizing the party’s interests over personal egos and ambitions.
“Change in the life of any individual or institution is constant and inevitable. As Africa’s largest political party, our demonstrated capacity to adapt to change and emergent realities always stands us out, and sets us beyond the wishes of doomsayers.
“We remain committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration towards uplifting the quality of life of all Nigerians,” the statement added
Nonetheless, skepticism surrounds the party’s official stance, as troubling reports of disharmony among the members of its National Working Committee (NWC) over Adamu’s successor surface. The party brushes aside these concerns as mere speculation, but dissent within the ranks seems undeniable.
The abrupt resignations of Adamu and Omisore were far from ordinary, according to Muiz Banire, a former legal adviser of the APC. He suggests that the departures might have been coerced rather than voluntary, hinting at undisclosed circumstances that could have led to their decisions. Banire absolves the President of any involvement in the party’s current leadership situation, but lingering questions raise eyebrows and further ignite controversy.
The unfolding controversy revolves around the staggering sum of N32 billion raised by the party from the sale of forms for the 2023 general election. Reports indicate that only N7 billion remains in the account, and there are troubling allegations that Adamu and Omisore failed to account for the missing funds. The lack of transparency surrounding the auditors’ appointment raises eyebrows, deepening suspicions within the party.
Sources reveal that Adamu’s exit was foreshadowed long before the N32 billion controversy. Political maneuvering between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, heightened tensions within the party. Tinubu’s support for Tanko Al Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa state, as the next national chairman opposed Adamu, who was backed by loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari. This tug-of-war over leadership further exposed internal divisions and power struggles within the APC.
The internal discord intensified during the APC’s presidential primary in June 2022. Adamu’s controversial support for Ahmad Lawan as Buhari’s preferred presidential candidate during the APC primary fueled disunity. The fallout from this move resulted in protests and condemnation, pitting him against Tinubu, who complained of betrayal despite a supposed gentlemen’s agreement for him to succeed Buhari. The presidential race intensified animosity within the party, culminating in Adamu’s eventual resignation.
The revelation that Tinubu supported the legal removal of Adamu after being presented with the N32 billion issue underscores the severity of the situation. The subsequent resignation of both Adamu and Omisore adds to the party’s turmoil, leaving it grappling with internal discord and discontent.
The recent attempt to portray the resignations of Adamu and Omisore as voluntary is raising eyebrows among the party’s observers. Let’s face it; in the political jungle, survival hinges on allegiance to the new lion. Those who failed to pledge their loyalty may find themselves facing consequences, and that’s just how it goes. The party dynamics have shifted, and the power play behind closed doors can be more intriguing than meets the eye.
